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If the WLB doesn't move at all, the QB probably hands it off. A dynamic that I didn't mention is that the QB rolls right a little, which would give the LB time to recover and sink toward the sidelines if he had stayed put. This is a zone run to the offense's left, so if the WLB doesn't work in that direction he's really taking himself out of the run play. If he gives any indication of keying on the run, he can't cover the out and the QB hits it. So, throw against any motion toward the LOS or to the run's playside. Hand-off otherwise.

The receiver actually tip-toed down the sideline, and they gave him the first down.

Thanks, everyone. Also, let me know what topics you guys are interested in, and I'll try and find ways to get answers. I want to do some generic stuff about passing concepts, the different plays that he runs out of specific formations, etc. but I'm also going to try and get some 2008 UA film to look specifically at how Dykes used Gronkowski.

Something that lots of teams are starting to do (UCLA and ASU under Mazzone, WVU and OSU under Holgorsen, Oregon under Kelley, and increasingly more NFL teams) is to package two different plays together into one play call. This means that there might be a run heading to the left but a pass or a screen heading to the right, for example. The QB will then have a very specific read that determines whether he hands off or throws, a lot like the zone read that Oregon has made so famous.

Yeah I was unaware of this concept until I read this article a couple of months ago:

Grantland and smartfootball.com are awesome resources. Smart Football has several definitive pieces on the Mike Leach coaching tree that are great reads as well. I think the author has mentioned that he went to a QB camp run by Leach and Mumme at Kentucky as a prep QB, so he has a ton of stuff relevant to us.

Grantland and smartfootball.com are awesome resources. Smart Football has several definitive pieces on the Mike Leach coaching tree that are great reads as well. I think the author has mentioned that he went to a QB camp run by Leach and Mumme at Kentucky as a prep QB, so he has a ton of stuff relevant to us.

this is an offense that demands a QB that can make very quick reads and be accurate on the short out, since even a slightly poorly thrown ball prevents the receiver from gaining much YAC.

Definitely, precision is really key. Because there are 4-wide, a lot of routes will run off the outside coverage with a deep route and then attack the flat/out. Similar read skills are needed on deep passes, where both QB's and WR's have to make quick reads and run/throw to wherever the defense isn't.

Thanks, everyone. Also, let me know what topics you guys are interested in, and I'll try and find ways to get answers. I want to do some generic stuff about passing concepts, the different plays that he runs out of specific formations, etc. but I'm also going to try and get some 2008 UA film to look specifically at how Dykes used Gronkowski.

Thanks for the effort you put into this. It's a terrific illustration of what was just words. Great job, berk. Much appreciated.

It will be interesting to see how the TE was used since Rodgers is a major talent. That Dykes keeps it simple and runs intense practices wherein the offense memorizes what to do through repetition seems to have worked. Cal does have talent at the skill positions. A simple scheme with options. If someone on the defense loses a step or is out of position, there will be many opportunities for big YAC.

Does anyone have the 2008 Cal vs. UA game? No one's really seeding it right now and it'll take me like a week to download it.

I'm not sure that will be a good reference point. I'm pretty sure Stoops put a lot of restrictions on the offense. For instance, they ran a lot of plays under center with a two backs and a TE, not exactly a spread concept. It may be good see how Dykes adapted and improvised, but it is not a good example of his offense. Also, from what I understand, Tony Franklin will call the offense as he did at LaTech. You might want to check out WatchESPN and look at the LaTech games from this season.

I'm not sure that will be a good reference point. I'm pretty sure Stoops put a lot of restrictions on the offense. For instance, they ran a lot of plays under center with a two backs and a TE, not exactly a spread concept. It may be good see how Dykes adapted and improvised, but it is not a good example of his offense. Also, from what I understand, Tony Franklin will call the offense as he did at LaTech. You might want to check out WatchESPN and look at the LaTech games from this season.

I really just want to see the design of the plays for Gronkowski's six receptions. Dykes specifically mentioned his use of Gronkowski in his press-conference and he's going to have to use TE's this year, so the play-designs should be instructive in a way the LaTech games aren't.